Jimmy Dean Sausage Stuffing: A Delicious and Easy Holiday Recipe

Thanksgiving and Christmas wouldn’t be the same without stuffing. This Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a holiday newbie, this recipe will walk you through each step to create a stuffing that’s sure to impress.

## Why This Jimmy Dean Sausage Stuffing Recipe Works

* **Flavor Explosion:** The combination of Jimmy Dean sausage, savory herbs, and flavorful broth creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is designed for simplicity, with straightforward instructions and readily available ingredients.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Everyone loves a good stuffing, and this one is sure to be a hit at your holiday gatherings.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or nuts.
* **Perfect Texture:** The stuffing achieves the perfect balance of moistness and crispiness.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you’ll need to create this amazing sausage stuffing. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the list; most are pantry staples!

* **1 pound Jimmy Dean sausage (original or sage):** The star of the show! Jimmy Dean sausage provides a rich, savory flavor that forms the foundation of this stuffing. You can choose the original flavor for a classic taste or opt for the sage variety for an extra layer of herbaceousness. Consider using hot sausage for a spicy kick, but be mindful of your audience’s preferences.
* **1 large onion, chopped:** Onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the stuffing. Yellow or white onions work best. Make sure to chop it finely so it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the mixture.
* **2-3 celery stalks, chopped:** Celery provides a subtle crunch and a fresh, clean flavor that complements the sausage and herbs. Like the onion, chop it finely.
* **1 cup butter (2 sticks), melted:** Butter adds richness and moisture to the stuffing. Use unsalted butter so you can control the overall saltiness of the dish. The melted butter helps to evenly coat the bread cubes, ensuring a moist and flavorful stuffing.
* **1 loaf (1 pound) day-old bread, cubed:** Day-old bread is essential for making stuffing. It’s slightly dry, which allows it to absorb the flavors of the other ingredients without becoming soggy. You can use any type of bread you like, such as white bread, sourdough, or French bread. For a heartier stuffing, use a combination of different breads. Cut the bread into roughly 1-inch cubes.
* **1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth:** Chicken broth provides moisture and adds another layer of flavor to the stuffing. You can use low-sodium chicken broth if you’re concerned about the salt content. Alternatively, you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
* **1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley:** Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor and a pop of color to the stuffing. Fresh parsley is preferred, but you can use dried parsley if you don’t have fresh on hand. If using dried parsley, use about 2 tablespoons.
* **1 teaspoon dried sage:** Sage is a classic herb that complements the sausage and adds a warm, earthy flavor to the stuffing. Dried sage is perfectly fine to use, but fresh sage is even better. If using fresh sage, use about 1 tablespoon, finely chopped.
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme:** Thyme adds a subtle, earthy flavor to the stuffing. Like sage, dried thyme is perfectly acceptable, but fresh thyme is even more flavorful. If using fresh thyme, use about 1 tablespoon, finely chopped.
* **1/2 teaspoon garlic powder:** Garlic powder adds a subtle garlic flavor to the stuffing. You can also use fresh garlic, but be careful not to add too much, as it can overpower the other flavors. If using fresh garlic, use about 2 cloves, minced.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Black pepper adds a subtle kick to the stuffing. Freshly ground black pepper is preferred for the best flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste):** Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients. Be careful not to add too much salt, as the sausage and chicken broth already contain salt. Taste the stuffing before adding any additional salt.
* **Optional: 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts:** Nuts add a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor to the stuffing. Pecans and walnuts are both good options. Toast the nuts before adding them to the stuffing for an even more intense flavor.
* **Optional: 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins:** Dried cranberries or raisins add a touch of sweetness and chewiness to the stuffing. They complement the savory flavors of the sausage and herbs perfectly.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Large skillet:** For browning the sausage and sautéing the vegetables.
* **Large mixing bowl:** For combining all the ingredients.
* **9×13 inch baking dish:** For baking the stuffing.
* **Measuring cups and spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurement.
* **Cutting board:** For chopping vegetables.
* **Knife:** For chopping vegetables and bread.
* **Wooden spoon or spatula:** For stirring the ingredients.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now for the fun part! Here’s a detailed guide to making this delicious Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing.

**Step 1: Prepare the Bread**

The most important step in making good stuffing is starting with the right bread. Day-old bread is key. If you only have fresh bread, you can cube it and leave it out on a baking sheet overnight to dry out. Alternatively, you can toast the bread cubes in a low oven (around 200°F or 95°C) for about an hour, turning them occasionally, until they are dry and slightly crisp.

**Step 2: Brown the Sausage**

In a large skillet, brown the Jimmy Dean sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is no longer pink and is slightly browned. This typically takes about 5-7 minutes. Once the sausage is cooked, drain off any excess grease. Leaving the grease in will result in a greasy stuffing, which is not what we want.

**Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables**

Add the chopped onion and celery to the skillet with the cooked sausage. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the vegetables from burning. The vegetables will absorb some of the sausage flavor and become even more delicious.

**Step 4: Combine the Ingredients**

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed bread, cooked sausage and vegetables, melted butter, chicken broth, parsley, sage, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Gently toss all the ingredients together until the bread is evenly coated with the mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the stuffing dense.

**Step 5: Add Optional Ingredients (Optional)**

If you’re using pecans, walnuts, dried cranberries, or raisins, add them to the mixing bowl and gently toss to combine. These additions will enhance the flavor and texture of the stuffing.

**Step 6: Transfer to Baking Dish**

Pour the stuffing mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread the stuffing evenly in the dish. You can use cooking spray or butter to grease the dish.

**Step 7: Bake the Stuffing**

Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the stuffing is golden brown and slightly crispy on top. The internal temperature of the stuffing should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked through.

**Step 8: Let it Rest**

Remove the stuffing from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the stuffing to set up slightly.

## Tips for the Best Jimmy Dean Sausage Stuffing

* **Use Day-Old Bread:** As mentioned earlier, day-old bread is crucial for preventing soggy stuffing. If you don’t have day-old bread, you can dry out fresh bread in the oven.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the stuffing can make it dense and gummy. Gently toss the ingredients together until they are just combined.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking the stuffing can make it dry and crusty. Bake it until it is golden brown and slightly crispy on top.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the stuffing before baking and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste.
* **Add More Moisture:** If the stuffing seems dry before baking, add a little more chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency.
* **Get Ahead:** You can prepare the stuffing a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.
* **Use Different Sausage:** While this recipe calls for Jimmy Dean sausage, you can experiment with other types of sausage, such as Italian sausage or chorizo, for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the stuffing, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers. Just make sure to sauté them with the onion and celery until they are softened.
* **Add Fruit:** For a touch of sweetness, add chopped apples or pears to the stuffing. They will complement the savory flavors of the sausage and herbs.

## Variations

This recipe is a great starting point, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Cranberry Pecan Sausage Stuffing:** Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans to the stuffing for a festive and flavorful twist.
* **Apple Sausage Stuffing:** Add 1 chopped apple to the stuffing for a touch of sweetness and a hint of tartness.
* **Mushroom Sausage Stuffing:** Add 1 cup of sliced mushrooms to the stuffing for an earthy and savory flavor.
* **Spicy Sausage Stuffing:** Use hot Jimmy Dean sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian Stuffing:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the sausage for a vegetarian version. You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers, to make it more flavorful.

## Serving Suggestions

Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, especially during the holidays.

* **Turkey:** The most traditional pairing, of course! The savory stuffing complements the rich flavor of the turkey.
* **Ham:** Another holiday favorite, ham pairs well with the savory and herbaceous notes of the stuffing.
* **Chicken:** For a more casual meal, serve the stuffing with roasted or grilled chicken.
* **Pork Loin:** The stuffing adds a flavorful and comforting touch to pork loin.
* **Vegetarian Main Dishes:** Even if you’re serving a vegetarian main course, the stuffing can still be a delicious and satisfying side dish.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

One of the great things about this recipe is that you can easily make it ahead of time. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the stuffing as directed in the recipe.
2. Transfer the stuffing to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
4. Refrigerate the stuffing for up to 24 hours.
5. When ready to bake, remove the stuffing from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. Bake the stuffing as directed in the recipe, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it is heated through.

## Storage Instructions

Leftover stuffing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave the stuffing for a few minutes, or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 350-450 per serving (depending on ingredients)
* Fat: 20-30g per serving
* Protein: 10-15g per serving
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g per serving

*Please note that these are approximate values and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use different types of bread?**
A: Yes, you can use any type of bread you like, such as white bread, sourdough, or French bread. For a heartier stuffing, use a combination of different breads.

**Q: Can I use fresh sausage instead of Jimmy Dean sausage?**
A: Yes, you can use fresh sausage, but you may need to add more seasoning to compensate for the lack of flavor in the sausage.

**Q: Can I make this stuffing vegetarian?**
A: Yes, you can make this stuffing vegetarian by substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth and omitting the sausage. You can add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, and bell peppers, to make it more flavorful.

**Q: Can I freeze this stuffing?**
A: Yes, you can freeze this stuffing. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

**Q: My stuffing is too dry. What can I do?**
A: If your stuffing is too dry, add a little more chicken broth until it reaches the desired consistency. You can also add a pat of butter to the top of the stuffing before baking.

**Q: My stuffing is too soggy. What can I do?**
A: If your stuffing is too soggy, make sure you’re using day-old bread and that you’re not adding too much chicken broth. You can also bake the stuffing uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to help it dry out.

## Conclusion

This Jimmy Dean sausage stuffing recipe is a holiday classic that’s sure to impress. With its flavorful ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and customizable options, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make year after year. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a stuffing that will be the star of your holiday meal! Happy cooking!